Bill Murrary and Rock the Kasbah to Rock Libraries in February

A has-been rock manager from Van Nuys, California, stumbles upon a once-in-a-lifetime voice in aVan Nuys, California, stumbles upon a once-in-a-lifetime voice in a remote Afghan cave in Rock the Kasbah, arriving on on Blu-ray combo pack and DVD February 2e, 2016, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Inspired by stranger-than-fiction, real-life events and directed by Oscar winner Barry Levinson (Good Morning Vietnam, Rain Man, Diner), the dramatic comedy stars Bill Murray (Lost in Translation, Groundhog Day, Ghostbusters) as Richie Lanz, an irreverent, self-involved and completely unprincipled rock 'n' roll animal who finds his last chance in the last place he ever expected.

Bruce Willis (The Sixth Sense, Die Hard), Kate Hudson (Almost Famous, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days), Zooey Deschanel ("New Girl," 500 Days of Summer), Scott Caan ("Hawaii 5-0," Ocean's Eleven), Danny McBride (This Is the End, Pineapple Express), Leem Lubany (Omar, From A to B) and Arian Moayed (Rosewater, Broadway's "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo") provide support for Murray's Richie, a notable addition to the actor's rogue's gallery of lovable scalawags. With an eclectic soundtrack that ranges from Lubany's haunting covers of Cat Stevens' classics to Murray's outrageous rendition of "Smoke on the Water" and bonus features including deleted scenes and a pair of behind-the-scenes mini-documentaries, Rock the Kasbah is a one-of-a-kind cinematic treasure.  

MI-5 to DVD & BD in February

Based on the hit British TV series, MI-5 comes to life as it arrives on Blu-ray and DVD and February

9, 2016 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment.  Kit Harington (HBO’s “Game of Thrones”) stars alongside “MI-5” veteran Peter Firth, Tuppence Middleton (The Imitation Game), Jennifer Ehle (Fifty Shades of Grey) and Laura Pulver (Edge of Tomorrow) in the high-stakes action adventure. The MI-5 home entertainment release includes exclusive deleted scenes and an exciting behind-the-scenes featurette. The MI-5 Blu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively. 

When a terrorist escapes custody during a routine handover, Will Holloway must team with disgraced MI5 Intelligence Chief Harry Pearce to track him down before an imminent terrorist attack on London.

"The Italian Americans" Releasing on DVD February 24 by PBS

PBS Distribution announced that it will release “THE ITALIAN AMERICANS” on DVD on February 24, 2015. The series, written and produced by John Maggio and narrated by Academy Award-nominated actor Stanley Tucci, explores the evolution of Italian Americans from the late nineteenth century to today, from “outsiders” once viewed with suspicion and mistrust to some of the most prominent leaders of business, politics and the arts today.

“THE ITALIAN AMERICANS” will be available on DVD February 24, 2015. The DVD has a run time of approximately 240 minutes on 2 discs and an SRP of $29.99.

“THE ITALIAN AMERICANS” reveals the unique and distinctive qualities of one immigrant group’s experience, and how these qualities, over time, have shaped and challenged America. Unlike other immigrant groups, many Italians did not come to America to stay. At the turn of the 20th century, most came to work, earn money to support their families, and eventually return home. Nearly half of the first generation Italian immigrants did return to Italy. For those that made America home, their struggle to maintain a distinct Italian culture was guided by remarkably powerful ideals of family that had always been at the center of their lives. In the Italian family, the needs of the collective came before the individual – a value system often at odds with American ideals of freedom and personal choice. While the power of the Italian family became a source of strength, it also bred suspicion, popularized in popular media as a dark, criminal element. This clash of culture echoed through generations of Italian Americans and, as they entered positions of political, social and cultural influence, it has left its mark on the American landscape.

"Shakespeare Uncovered, Series 2" on DVD in February

PBS Distribution announced plans to release “SHAKESPEARE UNCOVERED, SERIES 2” on DVD in February. Like the first series, the second installment of “Shakespeare Uncovered” combines history, biography, iconic performances, new analysis, and the personal passions of its celebrated hosts; Hugh Bonneville, Kim Cattrall, Joseph Fiennes, Morgan Freeman, David Harewood, and Christopher Plummer,  to tell the stories behind the stories of Shakespeare’s greatest plays.

“SHAKESPEARE UNCOVERED, SERIES 2” will be available on DVD February 3, 2015. The DVD has a run time of approximately 360 minutes on 2 discs and an SRP of $34.99.

The first season of this ambitious project explored “Macbeth,” the comedies “Twelfth Night” and “As You Like It,” “Richard II,” “Henry IV” and “Henry V,” “Hamlet” and “The Tempest,” and was met with wide acclaim in both the U.K. and U.S. The new season investigates “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “King Lear,” “Antony and Cleopatra,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Othello,” and “The Taming of the Shrew.”
 

CNN's "THE SIXTIES" to DVD in February via PBS Distribution

PBS Distribution announced today it will be releasing “THE SIXTIES” on DVD. Executive produced by Emmy Award-winning producers Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman (HBO’s “John Adams” and “The Pacific”), and Emmy Award-winning producer Mark Herzog (History’s “Gettysburg”), “THE SIXTIES” explores the most turbulent decade of the modern era in America.  "The Sixties premiered on CNN in May 2014 and ran through August.

From the Cold War to the War in Vietnam, from the Space Race to the Long March to Freedom and Civil Rights, the events of the 1960’s were both dramatic and transformative.  The Beatles invaded America, Man landed on the Moon and the Women’s, Environmental, Conservative and Gay movements were all born.  It was a decade of assassinations and urban riots but also of Woodstock and Haight Ashbury.  Television sets were tuned to The Twilight Zone, The Andy Griffith Show and Rown and Martin’s Laugh-In while record players spun the songs of Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones and The Beach Boys.  In its examination and portrayal of this most consequential time, this CNN Original Series reveals why it was truly “The Decade that Changed the World.”

“THE SIXTIES” will be available on DVD February 17, 2015. With a run time of approximately 511 minutes on 3 discs , it will have a  SRP of $69.99. Episodes included are listed below.

St Vincent Announced for February Home Entertainment Release

Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company have announced the home entertainment release of Ted Melfi’s directorial and screenwriting debut, ST. VINCENT. The “charmingly warm and heartfelt” (Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times) comedy features an all-star cast that includes Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts, Chris O’Dowd, Terrence Howard, and introducing Jaeden Lieberher.

The highly praised and popular film has garnered numerous accolades including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy; alongside a nomination for Bill Murray, Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy. Naomi Watts was recognized with a Screen Actors Guild Awards nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role. The Critics’ Choice Awards honored the film with a Best Comedy nomination, alongside nominations for the cast including Bill Murray, Best Actor in a Comedy; Melissa McCarthy, Best Actress in a Comedy; and Jaden Lieberher, Best Young Actor. 

ST. VINCENT will be available on  Blu-Ray and DVD on February 17, 2015.  The DVD will have a SLP of $29.98 and $34.99 on Blu-Ray. Special features include deleted scenes from the film and a Q&A with the one and only Bill Murray, the patron saint of comedy.

Sony Classical to Release The 2015 New Year's Concert With The Vienna Philharmonic & Zubin Mehta

Sony Classical is pleased to announce the release of the recording of one of the world's most famous classical music events: the 2015 New Year's Concert with the Vienna Philharmonic. One of the most distinguished conductors of our time, Zubin Mehta, returns to direct the 2015 concert, having already done so four times previously. The CD will be released nationwide on January 20.  The DVD and Blu-Ray will be available on February 3, 2015.

The New Year's Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic is one of the world's longest-standing and most prestigious music events. In a history covering more than 70 years, many famous conductors have conducted the concert, and over 50 million people in more than 80 countries enjoy the live broadcasts on TV. In 2015 the concert will be directed by one of the most distinguished conductors, Zubin Mehta.

On New Year's Day, from the legendary venue of Vienna's flower-filled Musikverein, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra presents a heart-warming program drawn mainly from the waltzes and polkas of the Strauss dynasty – Johann father and son, as well as Josef and Eduard Strauss – and their contemporaries. The proven formula blends old favourites with less-known works that have never been performed before at the New Year´s Concert. In 2015 these traditions continue, but there is one significant break with the past: the programme, previously a closely guarded secret until a few days before the event, has already been announced.

This year works by the Strauss family, five of which are premieres at the New Year's Concert, are complemented by Franz von Suppé's overture "Morning, Midday, Evening in Vienna" and the "Champagne Gallop" by Hans Christian Lumbye. The works performed for the first time are the waltz "On the Elbe" and the "Student Polka" by Johann Strauss the Younger, his father's "Freedom March", and one polka each by Josef Strauss ("Viennese Life") and Eduard Strauss ("Where One Laughs and Lives"). The annual concert is inconceivable without two pieces that always number among the encores (not included in the list of tracks below): the "Blue Danube Waltz" by Johann Strauss the Younger, and his father's "Radetzky March". 

Big Hero 6 on DVD/Blu-Ray February 24

From Walt Disney Animation Studios (“Frozen,” “Wreck-It Ralph”), Disney's “Big Hero 6” introduces you to a lovable robot who will change your world. Join Baymax (voice of Scott Adsit)    

and Hiro Hamada (voice of Ryan Potter) in a comic adventure that will make your heart soar as they learn about teamwork and becoming more than you thought you could be.

 

With all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Big Hero 6” is an action-packed comedy adventure that introduces Baymax, a lovable, personal companion robot, who forms a special bond with robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to Baymax and his diverse group of friends — adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred — who transform into a band of unlikely heroes. Bring home Disney's “Big Hero 6,” featuring comic-book-style action and hilarious, unforgettable characters — it's fun for the whole family!

Keanu Reeves Starrer, John Wick, on DVD/Blu-Ray on February 3

Action icon Keanu Reeves (47 Ronin, The Matrix trilogy) stars as John Wick, the ultimate hitman, in the heart-pounding revenge thriller John Wick, arriving on February 3, 2015 on Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital) from Summit
Entertainment, a LIONSGATE Company.

 

This certified Fresh by Rotten Tomatoes film was directed by Chad Stahelski and produced

by David Leitch, p.g.a., masters of Hollywood action, and written by Derek Kolstad, John Wick’s legendary cast also includes Michael Nyqvist (Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol), Alfie Allen (HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” Atonement), Adrianne Palicki (TV’s “Friday Night Lights,” G.I. Joe: Retaliation), Bridget Moynahan (TV’s “Blue Bloods,” I, Robot) and Dean Winters (HBO’s “Oz,” TV’s “Rescue Me”), along with Ian McShane (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, HBO’s “Deadwood”), John Leguizamo (The Lincoln Lawyer, Gamer) and Willem Dafoe (Spider-Man trilogy, The Grand Budapest Hotel).

 

When sadistic young thugs senselessly attack John Wick – a brilliantly lethal ex-assassin – they have no idea that they’ve just awakened the boogeyman.  With New York City as his bullet-riddled playground, Wick embarks on a merciless rampage, hunting down his adversaries with the skill and ruthlessness that made him an underworld legend. 

The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby to Arrive on DVD/Blu Ray on February 3

Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company have announced the home entertainment release of Ned Benson’s emotionally thrilling film, THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY on DVD and Blu-Ray on February 3, 2015. Both the DVD and Blu-Ray include bonus films, THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY: HIM and THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY: HER, giving you the complete picture of the story as it was intended to be seen.

With his unique vision, writer/director Ned Benson ambitiously captures a complete picture of the highs and lows of a relationship in a beautifully relatable portrait of love, empathy and truth, told from differing HIM and HER perspectives. THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY elicits riveting performances from an acclaimed cast led by Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy, and a richly talented supporting cast that includes Nina Arianda, two-time Academy Award nominee Viola Davis, Bill Hader, Ciarán Hinds, Isabelle Huppert, Academy Award® winner William Hurt and Jess Weixler.

Once happily married, Connor (McAvoy) and Eleanor (Chastain) suddenly find themselves as strangers longing to understand each other in the wake of tragedy. The film explores the couple’s story as they try to reclaim the life and love they once knew and pick up the pieces of a past that may be too far gone. “THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY is refreshingly honest, and reaffirms one meaningful, often forgettable constant — no one single human holds the answers to life’s greatest questions.” (Matt Donato, We Got This Covered). Benson’s latest version of their story combines his previous two films — titled HIM and HER — uniting their perspectives and taking a further look into the subjectivity of relationships.

Kill the Messenger Announced for February 10, 2015 DVD / Blu-Ray Release

A gutsy investigative journalist pursues the story of a lifetime in Focus Features' Kill the Messenger, a powerful dramatic thriller based on a remarkable true story, coming to Blu-Ray Combo Pack including Blu-Ray, DVD & Digital HD with UltraViolet as well as DVD on February 10, 2015, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

The Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD feature exclusive bonus content including deleted scenes, cast profiles, filmmaker commentary and more. Two-time Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner (The Bourne Legacy) leads an all-star cast with Emmy Award winner Michael Cuesta (Homeland) directing.

Kill the Messenger is based on the true story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb (portrayed by Jeremy Renner). In the 1990s, this dedicated reporter's quest for the truth took him from the prisons of California to the villages of Nicaragua to the corridors of power in Washington, D.C. and his investigative reporting drew the kind of attention that threatened not just his career, but his family and his life. Webb himself becomes the story and a target, as jealous rival reporters who missed the story move to discredit his work and reputation in an increasingly vicious smear campaign. His wife Sue (Rosemarie DeWitt) tries to stand by him even as, despite warnings from drug kingpins and menacing surveillance intended to deter his investigation, Webb keeps digging to prove a direct link between cocaine smugglers and the CIA, a conspiracy with explosive implications.